Here’s what to expect over the next few years as the arena nears its 50th anniversary in 2019, the year work on the 13,455-seat venue is expected to be finished:
New seating: All of the seats will be replaced. A majority will be fabric-covered with both seat and back padding.
Some of the new seats in the lower bowl will sport a leather look. Seats in the 300 and 400 levels forego back padding but represent an improvement with seat padding. About 400 seats — about 3 percent of total capacity — will be affected by the changes. Americans with Disabilities Act seating will increase from 46 to 78.
Climate control: Air conditioning will be installed and alleviate a long complaint of fans. The addition will also give UD the opportunity to host events in the summer.
Team store, improved restrooms: Encircling the venue will be a full, branded concourse with a new main lobby and team store, and restrooms, which include an 80 percent increase in toilets and sinks for women.
New sights, better sounds: A new scoreboard and LED ribbon boards installed along with enhanced audio systems.
Terrace suites: Four concourse-level terrace suites will extend from the corners of the arena toward the court.
Club seat changes: Flanking the sidelines between the 200/300 sections will be new club seats backed by two lounges for the exclusive use of club seat ticket holders.
Room with a view: High in the 400s on the on east side of the arena will be a new gathering area loaded with televisions. The area, accessible by elevator, will be lined with windows overlooking the Great Miami River.
Tentative construction schedule:
2017-18
• New 100 and 200 level seats with cup holders and handrails
• Upgrade courtside and press seating areas
• Updated and added Americans with Disabilities Act seating
• New four-sided, center-hung video board
• New LED ribbon boards on the fascia of Spectrum Flight Deck and suites
• Move TV broadcast area from southeast to northeast corner
• Upgrade arena bowl audio system and broadcast infrastructure
• Install platforms for the new four corner terrace suites
• Upgrade arena infrastructure and dewatering pumps
• Begin exterior structures for future phases
2018-19
• New concourse and 300/400 level seats
• New south and west entrances and elevator and stairs to event level
• New renovated event level locker rooms and training room
• New VIP parking and entrance
• New media room and press conference area
• Added and upgraded restrooms, concession stands and merchandise locations
• Corner video boards moved and turned toward 300/400 level
• Upgrade arena infrastructure and ADA seating
• New court lighting and improved arena wifi
2019-20
• New concourse and 300/400 level seats
• New club seats between 200/300 levels and addition of concourse clubs
• New four-corner terrace suites
• Added and upgraded restrooms and concession stands
• Updated and added ADA seating
• New main ticket box office/lobby and team store
• New elevator to 400 level terrace (Eastside only)
• New exterior design with upgraded lighting and landscaping
• Upgrade arena infrastructure and climate controlled seating bowl
• Complete 360-degree concourse renovation with updated finishes and branding
Source: University of Dayton